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First I want to thank Scott for his awesome website. If I end up going down the DIY road, it will certainly start with the plans from his site.

So now my rookie questions.
I want to make the 3 layer IX UG. I'm a warm sleeper, so I'm pretty sure it will handle the temps I will be venturing out in to start. However, budget concerns limit the amount of gear I want to make or acquire. Will the 3 layer be too warm in the summer? Would I be better off making the second or third layers removable so I will be comfortable in the 35-70 range with one UQ?

IX UQ - After two years, what are the pros and cons

The IX UQ was my first sewing project for hammocks. From the thread I've learned that down can be compressed into a smaller space but can also be warmer. But it's still pricey and DIY is much more work than the IX UQ. But those statements about IX are in comparison to down.

If down isn't an option because of price or skill, are there any other reasons to avoid IX? Since this thread started over 2 years ago, what's the overall experience for campers who are using IX? Are you still using it? More particularly, what are any reasons you had for abandoning your IX UQ?

I am still happily using mine. I have learned that it is critical to have a perfect seal or its near useless. I highly recommend adding draft collars at the head and foot. I've also tweaked my suspension a few times to help with the seal. My latest suspension setup uses shockcord along the sides very much like the Knotty hammock Stretch side mod. I also have shock cord in my draft collars to help pull them into the hammock tight. The end result is a perfect seal. I can even go fetal position and it conforms and stays sealed.

I've had my UQ down to single digit temps and been OK (this was before my latest suspending trick so I expect to be a little more comfy next time). For cold camping, I now also bring a light / cheap truck windshield protector and lay that between the hammock and UQ. Works a treat. I just got back, from a campout last weekend where it was 24*F and I was warm.

The IX UQ was my first sewing project for hammocks. From the thread I've learned that down can be compressed into a smaller space but can also be warmer. But it's still pricey and DIY is much more work than the IX UQ. But those statements about IX are in comparison to down.

If down isn't an option because of price or skill, are there any other reasons to avoid IX? Since this thread started over 2 years ago, what's the overall experience for campers who are using IX? Are you still using it? More particularly, what are any reasons you had for abandoning your IX UQ?

Thanks for any feedback

I made a DIY IX UQ last fall. It has served me well on a couple cold nights. By cold I am speaking from a Georgia boy perspective, 20s-30s at the coldest.

I didn't make it by any particular design with the exception of using three layers. My outer shell is a Dri Ducks poncho rather than nylon. Its a bit thicker thus, I believe, a bit warmer. Also, it is breathable and water resistant.

The IX is a bit bulky and heavier than down but not 4 times as much, which is the price difference. Eventually I will make the sacrifice and make/or even purchase a down UQ, but in the mean time...I love my IXUQ, cause it's all I got.